Emergency Situation 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) addresses the Section 404 and Section 10 permitting process for emergency situations at 33 CFR 325.2(e)(4). An “emergency” is a situation which would result in an unacceptable hazard to life, a significant loss of property, or an immediate, unforeseen, and significant economic hardship if corrective action requiring a permit is not undertaken within a time period less than the normal time needed to process the application under standard procedures.  The Corps may use alternative permitting procedures, when appropriate, to expedite processing of permit applications for emergencies. 

Emergency Determination 

The Corps may not view an action as an emergency if the applicant has known of the deficient condition of the failing structure and has not made reasonable attempts to secure appropriate permits and conduct timely repairs. Emergency authorization decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. The Corps has the responsibility to determine if the proposed work is consistent with the Corps' definition of an emergency, whether authorization is needed, and if so, which type of authorization is required. 

Notification 

Notify the Seattle District Regulatory Division immediately of the need to perform emergency work and include the nature of the emergency, photographs, and project description. Contact the Corps Regulatory Project Manager for the appropriate region or entity. If the project manager is not available, contact the appropriate Branch or Division Chief. For emergency notification after work hours or on weekends, contact the Division Chief, Mr. P. Allen Atkins at (206) 369-4428.   

Resources 

Notice of Need for Emergency Work